A man accused of killing chef Mussie Imnetu after Notting Hill Carnival is set to be charged with murder, the Old Bailey heard on Monday.
Omar Wilson, 31, is accused of punching Mr Imnetu repeatedly in the head during an altercation at around 11.20pm on August 26, the final day of the annual Carnival.
Sweden-born Mr Imnetu had been visiting the UK on business from Dubai where he lives and works as a chef, and he has worked under celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing and Alain Ducasse.
He was taken to hospital for treatment to a bleeding on the brain after the Carnival incident, and died four days later in hospital.
Wilson, of Leytonstone, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent following the alleged attack.
He appeared in court and was remanded in custody while Mr Imnetu lay in a coma in hospital.
At the Old Bailey on Monday, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, was told Wilson is now set to be charged with murder.
“The victim has very sadly died since the incident”, said the judge. “That’s what gives rise to the change of charge.”
Julian Winship, prosecuting, said the incident happened “in the area” of the carnival, when Mr Imnetu was allegedly headbutted by Wilson.
It is said Wilson then punched the chef five times to the head, causing him to collapse.
The incident happened outside the Dr Power restaurant in Queensway.
Judge Lucraft remanded Wilson in custody until a plea hearing on November 25. A trial has been set for February 3 next year.
